This is an exciting mystery that I couldn't put down. A scavenger hunt with codes and ciphers, and plenty of clues based on science, history, and geography (of New York City, particularly). Lots of intrigue. Excellent world-building, meshing the real with the fictional in this alternate version of our reality. Strong characters who are well developed. And a shared spotlight. Quality writing with wonderful use of language. I just wish there had been a more satisfying partial conclusion to some of the mysteries to make this first book feel more complete on its own instead of leaving us with an unsatisfying cliffhanger of an ending. Deserving of much popularity.

This was a fun puzzler set in an alternate New York City. The characterizations and relationships were also good. The length might make it a tough sell with some kids. I find the Morningstarrs themselves a little far-fetched, and it bugs me that the series is called York and the cipher is the Old York Cipher when the city was never called that, but these are small quibbles.

Very interesting. I am looking foward to the next book in the series with great anticipation. It's not often that you find a good alternate history, science fiction, and mystery all in one book. Definitely recommended!

I had so much fun reading this book. The took me on an adventure through the city of New York. I also like the mystery surrounding the cipher puzzle which reminds me of National Treasure but with steampunk elements. The book also gave me a much greater appreciation towards architecture and how we must work hard to preserve old buildings.

The book also is fast pace and there is a ton of action throughout. I also liked the three main characters. The twins Tess and Theo are funny. Like there would be moments they will pick on each other in a sibling kind of way where they will say a ton of funny lines which made me laugh to the point where I was in tears. Literally in tears. I also liked how even though the twins pick on each other they still have this greater bond between them. I also liked Jamie because he is geeky, artsy and also smart. Despite not being an expert in cipher puzzles he also has a way of contributing to problem-solving.

I had so much fun reading this book. The took me on an adventure through the city of New York. I also like the mystery surrounding the cipher puzzle which reminds me of National Treasure but with steampunk elements. The book also gave me a much greater appreciation towards architecture and how we must work hard to preserve old buildings.

The book also is fast pace and there is a ton of action throughout. I also liked the three main characters. The twins Tess and Theo are funny. Like there would be moments they will pick on each other in a sibling kind of way where they will say a ton of funny lines which made me laugh to the point where I was in tears. Literally in tears. I also liked how even though the twins pick on each other they still have this greater bond between them. I also liked Jamie because he is geeky, artsy and also smart. Despite not being an expert in cipher puzzles he also has a way of contributing to problem-solving.

Quotes

They think they're the only ones who understand the real truth about the world, and that it's everyone else who's been tricked. . . . The biggest problem we have is that people like to fool themselves into thinking that they could never be fooled.

The therapist her parents brought her to see liked Tess to do a lot of drawings. . . . He said, "It's interesting that you drew yourself with this little golden crown on your head. What does the crown mean to you?"